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Indian Astronomy and Astrology

3,368 Questions

Ancient Indian astronomy and astrology encompass the historical study of celestial bodies, planetary movements, and traditional timekeeping instruments. Topics frequently include ancient astronomical texts, yantras, and the astrological significance of planets. These questions are highly useful for general studies sections in civil services and state exams.

Ancient astronomical instrumentsAstrological planetary aspectsTraditional Indian almanacsAstronomical textsTimekeeping innovations

Indian Astronomy and Astrology Questions

Multiple choice

What is the name of the asteroid discovered by the Indian astronomer A. S. Dhillon?

  1. (3568) ASCII

  2. (29075) 1950 DA

  3. (1950 DA)

  4. (29075) ASCII
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A. S. Dhillon, an Indian astronomer, discovered the asteroid (29075) 1950 DA in 1950.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the asteroid discovered by the Indian astronomer M. N. Vahia?

  1. (3568) ASCII

  2. (29075) 1950 DA

  3. (1950 DA)

  4. (29075) ASCII
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

M. N. Vahia, an Indian astronomer, discovered the asteroid (29075) ASCII in 1982.

Multiple choice

In ancient Indian astronomy, what was the term used to describe the celestial sphere?

  1. Kshitij

  2. Nakashatra

  3. Mandala

  4. Brahmanda
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Brahmanda was the term used to describe the celestial sphere, encompassing all celestial bodies and phenomena.

Multiple choice

According to Indian cosmology, what is the central point around which the universe revolves?

  1. Mount Meru

  2. Polaris

  3. Sun

  4. Earth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In Indian cosmology, Mount Meru is considered the central point of the universe, around which all celestial bodies revolve.

Multiple choice

What was the term used in ancient India to describe the seven celestial bodies that were considered sacred?

  1. Navagrahas

  2. Sapta Rishis

  3. Nakshatras

  4. Grahas
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Navagrahas refers to the nine celestial bodies that were considered sacred in ancient India: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian astronomy to describe the path of the Sun through the zodiac constellations?

  1. Panchang

  2. Sankranti

  3. Ayana

  4. Rasi Chakra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Rasi Chakra refers to the path of the Sun through the twelve zodiac constellations, which is used in Indian astrology and astronomy to determine the positions of celestial bodies.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian astronomy to describe the grouping of stars into constellations?

  1. Nakshatra

  2. Graha

  3. Rasi

  4. Mandala
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Nakshatra refers to the grouping of stars into constellations, which are used in Indian astrology and astronomy to determine the positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human lives.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian astronomy to describe the period of time it takes for the Sun to complete one cycle through the zodiac constellations?

  1. Sankranti

  2. Ayana

  3. Rasi Chakra

  4. Panchang
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Ayana refers to the period of time it takes for the Sun to complete one cycle through the zodiac constellations, which is approximately 26,000 years.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian astronomy to describe the movement of celestial bodies from east to west?

  1. Udaya

  2. Asta

  3. Grahachara

  4. Rasi Chakra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Udaya refers to the movement of celestial bodies from east to west, which is observed as the rising of stars and planets above the horizon.

Multiple choice

What is the term used in Indian astronomy to describe the period of time it takes for the Moon to complete one cycle through its phases?

  1. Sankranti

  2. Ayana

  3. Rasi Chakra

  4. Panchang
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Panchang refers to the period of time it takes for the Moon to complete one cycle through its phases, which is approximately 29.5 days.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the conjunction of the Sun and the Moon in Vedic astrology?

  1. Amavasya

  2. Purnima

  3. Sankranti

  4. Grahana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Amavasya refers to the conjunction of the Sun and the Moon, also known as the new moon.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument used by Vedic astronomers to observe celestial bodies?

  1. Astrolabe

  2. Sundial

  3. Quadrant

  4. Yantra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Yantra is the term used for the instrument used by Vedic astronomers to observe celestial bodies.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Vedic calendar that is based on the lunar cycle?

  1. Vikram Samvat

  2. Shaka Samvat

  3. Purnimanta

  4. Amanta
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Purnimanta is the name of the Vedic calendar that is based on the lunar cycle.

Multiple choice

Which Vedic astronomer developed the concept of the zodiac?

  1. Lagadha

  2. Garga

  3. Parasara

  4. Jaimini
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Lagadha, a prominent Vedic astronomer, is credited with developing the concept of the zodiac.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the planetary periods or cycles in Vedic astrology?

  1. Dasha

  2. Bhukti

  3. Antardasha

  4. Pratyantar Dasha
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Dasha refers to the planetary periods or cycles in Vedic astrology.